GEODESIC STRUCTURES: STABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
In biology, knowing what the individual cells in an organism are made of does little to explain how the organism works. We need to know how the cells join together to form large and stable structures. Many scientists believe that cells combine to form living organisms in a way very similar to the construction of man-made geodesic domes. These structures, which are extremely stable because tensional and compressive forces are equally distributed, are based on tensegrity (derived from 'tensional integrity'). Tensegrity structures commonly have a large number of relatively light solid components, separated from one another but linked together by a network of cables. Their stability is derived from the equal distribution of stresses not by the strength of individual members.
Tensegrity structures are usually very light, very strong, and very efficient. They do, however, come in very complex shapes. Because of this complexity, it is often difficult to predict or design the exact form a tensegrity structure will take. In our design conscious world this is something of a problem: imagine not knowing what shape of house you are having built. Fortunately, nature sees this as a bonus and uses it to create diversity. Many of these structures are easily collapsible and thus readily deployable in other shapes for other uses. Their variable shapes and flexibility of purpose are probably their greatest assets.
The key to tensegrity is the network that links together individual structural members. The network provides stability by balancing the stresses imposed on, or generated by, individual components. Balancing also provides the necessary flexibility to change the shape and nature of the overall structure. Most companies use electronic networks for information transmittal. For company tensegrity, the network must also provide balance. This can be achieved by using the network to share knowledge to inspire personal empowerment and collaboration with others.
An important characteristic of a tensegrity structure is that the loads are distributed throughout the structure: there is no one main load-bearing member. Similarly, in a tensegrity company, there is no single location for the business: there is no 'headquarters' and no 'top floor'. Responsibility, accountability, skills, information and knowledge are distributed but linked together. This also means that there is no centralised control; no single component 'runs' the organisation, all the components do
Companies develop through complex interactions involving their employees, suppliers, customers and shareholders, each with their own particular form and structure. Combining them in a structure, which is balanced and distributed, will allow them to move, grow and to change shape without affecting the stability of the company. In this way unpredictable properties and opportunities will emerge which may be better adapted to constantly changing environments.
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